Two circles with radii 6 cm and 2 cm have their centers 10 cm apart. How many common tangents can be drawn between them, and what type(s) of tangents are they?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. 4 tangents: 2 direct and 2 transverse.
R = 6 cm and r = 2 cm
Distance between centers (d) = 10 cm
R + r = 8 cm
Since d = 10 cm > (R + r), the circles do not intersect and are outside each other.
When d > R + r, there are 4 common tangents: 2 direct and 2 transverse.